Bangladesh PM Hasina's daughter Saima Wazed voted as new WHO regional director

Banglesh on Wednesday said election of Saima Wazed as WHO's new regional director for South-East Asia region reflects recognition of her passion for public health and demonstrates confidence and trust in her leership skills.

Wazed, daughter of Banglesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was voted as World Health Organisation’s new regional director for South-East Asia for a four-year term beginning in 2024, global health organisation said on Wednesday.

Ms Saima Wazed has been minated as Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia. Member countries today voted to minate next Regional Director during a closed meeting at #RC76.

For more info on RD elect 👉🏽 https://t.co/qxYmHRKxpT pic.twitter.com/Lxv9HP9YlJ

— WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO)

"Member states voted to minate Saima Wazed during a closed meeting at seventy-sixth session of WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia Region," WHO statement said.

Wazed, 50, defeated Dr Shambhu Pras Acharya, lone candidate from Nepal to get post.

It is understood that India supported Bangleshi candidate. However, re is official word on it.

Wazed is kwn for her global campaign for mental health with an extra focus on autism.

"Thank you to @WHOSEARO Member States for choosing me to be ir next Regional Director!" Wazed wrote on X.

"I would like to pay tribute to our outgoing Regional Director, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, for her dece of service to public health of our region. A special tribute as well for my fellow minee in this race, Dr. Acharya. In his long and distinguished career, he has been an invaluable asset to @WHO- and I hope our region will continue to benefit from his kwledge and experience. I look forward to building a healthier South-East Asia," she posted.

Officials familiar with election process said in line with practice, mination would be submitted to WHO Executive Board during its 154th session from January 22-27 next year in Geneva, Switzerland.

“ newly appointed regional director will take office on February 1, 2024,” Banglesh’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Wazed will hold post from 2024-2028.

Earlier, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare conducted an effective campaign in favour of Banglesh candidature since very beginning of election process.

ministry said Wazed was elected in a secret ballot with participation of 10 or member States of WHO regional nations, including India, while she bagged eight votes and her contender Dr Acharya of Nepal received two.

"This election with overwhelming support reflects recognition of Saima’s passion and relentless work in public health and demonstrates confidence and trust of region in her leership skills,” ministry said.

South-East Asia Regional Organisation (SEARO) is one of six regions of WHO with its hequarters in New Delhi.

SEARO comprises 11 countries -- Banglesh, Bhutan, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste -- and is heed by regional director minated by member countries.